Black bears are an important resource in Missouri for their value as a game species and their contributions to regional biodiversity and ecosystem health. Sightings have become more common in recent years. Join Missouri Department of Conservation staff at 8:30 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 3 at the Echo Bluff State Park amphitheater to learn about the scientific data collected in the Missouri Black Bear Project and what the future of Missouri Black Bears holds. Learn about bear history and the surprises found in test results.

Echo Bluff State Park is located on Hwy 19, approximately 25 miles south of Salem and approximately 14 miles north of Eminence. For more information about the event, contact Missouri State Parks at 573-751-1224.

For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.